completing a C1A for domestic abuse

Hi all

After years of emotional abuse from my stbx and his drinking problems, I left the marriage. We have a daughter who I could see would be also affected by his drinking and emotional abuse over the years.

He's taking me to court for contact (contact order) and because of the emotional abuse i've suffered, and what he's been saying to dd (4 years old) and not looking after her as she deserves I need to fill a C1A form in - the thing is, there is so much to write that I don't know where to start. How do you describe what someone has done to you emotionally unless you describe the circumstances and what happened.....

I have to do a summary but don't know where to begin....

Has anyone completed a C1A that could give me some guidance please?

thanks
escaped

What a difficult situation. And well done for getting out.

The first thing to be aware of is that the question is about your daughter, so you need to focus on the effect on her - what has she witnessed? more that the effect on you (of course the impact on you will have an effect on her too, but the primary focus is on her)

Usually, a ourt will focus on the most recent incidents or events , so other than saying (if relevent) that he has had a long-term problem with alcohol abuse and that this has casued concerns throughout the relationship, when looking at specifics focus on the most recent, and and those which most directly affect the issue of contact - e.g. if he is now acknowledging he has a problem but saying it is under control, it is relevent to mention if he has previously given/broken such assurances.

Give examples of specific comments he has made to your daughter which you consider are inappropriate

At this stage, I would stick to 2 or 3 examples - you can oput in the form that these are only examples and that they are the 'tip of the iceberg' - the purpose of the form is to help the Judge to identify the issues, and to decide what further enquiries such as a Cafcass report are needed.

Do be aware that the Court will start from the principal that your daughter has a right to see her father so may well want to focus on how the contact can be safe for her (e.g. contact centre / supervision / short contacts) rather than necessarily saying there she be no contact at all.